Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Three Final Survivor: Philippines Cast Members

The other day we reported the first 15 members of the new Survivor cast, Survivor: Philippines, which includes Lisa Whelchel, 49, child star from the sitcom, Facts of Life back in the 80's. Also among the group is former National League MVP Jeff Kent who played for the San Francisco Giants. Here are the final three. The show premieres on September 19th at 8 p.m.

Name (Age): Michael Skupin (50)

Previous Season: “Survivor: The Australian Outback”

Previous Finish: Medical
evacuation due to severe burns received after passing out into a fire
from smoke inhalation. After inhaling a thick cloud of smoke, I passed
out and fell forward into the fire suffering severe burns all over my
body, the worst of which was on my hands.

Tribe Designation: Tandang

Current Residence: White Lake, Mich.

Occupation: Professional speaker, author and coach

Personal Claim to Fame: I have seven of them that I feed every day – my children. And, ranking 23rd on TV Guide and TV Land's List of the 100 Most Unexpected TV Moments. It’s an honor to have been there when it all started!

Inspiration in Life:
My dad, a true warrior who lost a battle to cancer when he was 28, and
my mom who battled emphysema for 17 years and never complained. She
taught me what tough was.

Hobbies: Sports and fitness, coaching my kids and anything to do with water… in it, on it, over it, looking at it or listening to it.

Pet Peeves: Negativity and pessimism. The glass is always full.

Three Words to Describe You: Adventurous, spontaneous and competitive.

If You Could Have Three Things on The Island, What Would They Be and Why?

Animals to hunt for food.

An impenetrable shelter.

An unbreakable alliance.

Reason for Being on SURVIVOR: To
avenge a long-standing internal battle, wondering if I can win this
game in spite of the changes and my 12-year absence. No matter what any
returning player may say, you never stop thinking about going back. And:
seven cars when they turn 16, seven college educations, seven weddings…
I want to be there for my kids at all times when they need me.

Why You Think You’ll “Survive” SURVIVOR:
The physical part I’m ultra-prepared for. I never stop moving. The
survival part won’t be an issue. I grew up in the woods. My crazy family
life has prepared me exceptionally for the mental part. I’m surviving
seven kids!

Why You Think You Will Be the Sole SURVIVOR:
There is no other returning player in the history of this game with
more to prove than me. I’ll find a way to win, whatever it takes! I
won’t give up… ever, ever , ever, ever!

Name (Age): Russell Swan (45)

Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Samoa”

Previous Finish: Medical
evacuation due to dehydration. I fainted multiple times during a
challenge. Jeff Probst has described this as “the scariest moment I’ve
ever had on the show.”

Tribe Designation: Matsing

Current Residence: Glenside, Penn.

Occupation: Environmental Attorney

Personal Claim to Fame: Being a good dad.

Inspiration in Life:
My dad, because he was a very ordinary guy, but a damn good dad. He
really loved his family and was a perfect example of what a husband
should be to his wife, and what a dad should be to his child.

Hobbies: Riding my motorcycle, mountain biking and skiing.

Pet Peeves: I hate whiners, materialistic people and generally people who are full of crap.

Three Words to Describe You: Energetic, optimistic and focused.

If You Could Have Three Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why? I would bring my “Terrible Towel,” because I’m an avid Steelers fan and I’m always looking for converts. That’s it!

Reason for Being on SURVIVOR: First, the game kicked my butt and I want payback. Second, I want to show people that failure doesn’t always mean the end.

Why You Think You’ll “Survive” SURVIVOR:
I bring strength for the physically demanding challenges. I’m cunning –
I know how to get my way without being overly confrontational. And I
have a sense of humor. I love making people laugh.

Why You Think You Will Be the Sole SURVIVOR: Because I’ve already tried the failure route. I’m going to take a different path and win this time!

Personal Claim to Fame: My
Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for “Down on the
Waterfront,” which I co-wrote and co-produced with my wife, and also
co-starred in with Jason Alexander and Edward Asner.

Inspiration in Life:
My kids. My daughter is hilarious and actually looks up to me, and my
son is smarter and more athletic than I am already. Wanting to make them
proud is why I always do my best.

About Me

I have owned DJC Communications, a media relations firm in New York City since 1991.
One of my interests has always been television, and since I'm in the business of communicating, why not offer my opinions and insight on a subject I know and love?
I have a BA in communications from Fordham University. I'm on the board of the New York Press Club and for more than 25 years I've been advising clients on how to share their message with the media and the public.
My husband, Mike (also a TV fan), and I live on Long Island. We have two daughters.